Kennedy Hospitalized

Guide Note

Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy was rushed to a hospital in Cape Cod after having stroke-like symptoms on May 17, 2008.

Kennedy had actually suffered a seizure, which was later found to be caused by a malignant brain tumor.

After spending two hours in the emergency room, he was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. While being transferred, a second seizure occurred.

The Kennedy family released a statement saying that he went the Cape Cod hospital after feeling ill at his home, he underwent tests and evaluations.

Kennedy was released from the hospital on May 21, 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Stroke-like symptoms reported, but turned out to be a seizure
2. Was at home in Hyannis Port when he became ill
3. Rushed to E.R. at 8:30 am
4. Air lifted to Boston at 10:15 am
5. Age: 76 years old
6. Diagnosis: Malignant brain tumor
7. Undergoing further testing
8. Treatment usually consists of radiation therapy, chemotherapy

On May 20, 2008, attending physicians reported that Kennedy has a brain tumor. The diagnosis followed a biopsy, and is malignant. It is located in the top left side of his brain.

In October of 2007, Kennedy had surgery to treat a clogged artery in his neck. The blockage was found while he was undergoing a routine examination of his neck and spine.

The routine operation was done to lessen the chances of a stroke in the future.

• "Obviously my thoughts and prayers are with Teddy," Obama said Saturday in Oregon, where he was campaigning. "He is one of my favorite people and so hopefully he is going to be okay." FOX News

• "My thoughts and prayers are with Ted Kennedy and his family today," Clinton said in a statement. "We all wish him well and a quick recovery." Bloomberg.com

• "Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe" Associated Press